Family Friendly Activities – Sunset Properties Blog

August 18, 2017

The Top 10 Reasons to Plan Your Thanksgiving in Gulf Shores

When it’s chilly up north and you’re looking for somewhere warmer to celebrate the holidays, Gulf Shores has to be at the top of your list. In fact, when you plan your Thanksgiving in Gulf Shores, you’ll find that the holiday itself is easier and more relaxing for everyone involved. Take advantage of our beautiful beaches, enjoy our delicious seafood, and escape the holiday stress here in Gulf Shores. When you plan your Thanksgiving in Gulf Shores, you’ll be in for a real treat. Here are our top 10 reasons to visit Gulf Shores this Thanksgiving!

Alabama’s Gulf Coast is beautiful any time of year! So, plan your getaway here with our free Vacation Guide! You’ll find some of the best things to do in Gulf Shores right here in our guide. That’s because, here at Sunset Properties, we want you to have the very best visit! You’re going to love it here!

10 Great Reasons to Celebrate Thanksgiving in Gulf Shores

Great memories are guaranteed any time of year at the beach! Beautiful weather and beautiful beaches combine for a truly memorable holiday.
Cooking or not, when all is done you’ll still be right by the beach! Warm days, beautiful sunsets, sandy toes, and salty air are the good things for which to give thanks.
There’s plenty of space for the whole family! There are houses available if you want to stay together or everyone can have their own condo and go their separate ways at the end of the day.
No cleaning prior to company coming and no big cleaning after they leave. Do your dishes, take the trash out, and put the dirty linens by the washer. That’s it!
Black Friday shopping at the Tanger Outlets is only 40 minutes away! You’ll find great deals on Christmas shopping after you’ve had your fill of turkey.
Swimming on Thanksgiving Day will be some of your favorite memories! Go swimming with all the family before and after dinner.
No Snow! Escape the cold weather for warm sunny days and cool evenings.
No Decorating! You don’t have to worry about holiday decorations when you have the beautiful beach scenery just out your door.
No fancy china! When you come to the beach for Thanksgiving, your vacation rental is fully-equipped with all you need for a simple or fancy dinner.
You can bring your traditions with you or leave them home. Turkey at the beach is great but seafood is our specialty here. Pick up your Thanksgiving seafood to go and enjoy the afternoon at the beach.

Plan Your Holiday at the Beach This Year

Spend your Thanksgiving in Gulf Shores this year and enjoy all of these great reasons to be here! You’ll love your time at the beach, fantastic seafood, fun shopping, and incredible family activities while you’re here. So, browse the beautiful condos and beach houses from Sunset Properties! Our vacation rentals are the perfect idea for a holiday away with family, no matter how many people you have. Come make special holiday memories here in Gulf Shores! Contact us today to book your Thanksgiving getaway!

April 25, 2017

What Cool Animals Will You See at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo?

The biologically rich and diverse region that is Alabama’s Gulf Coast offers great ways to experience nature, whether out in Gulf State Park or at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. The zoo offers unique chances to experience a variety of animals; it’s a great chance for kids and parents alike to make fun memories here on Alabama’s Gulf Coast! So, what do you have to look forward to at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo? We’ll tell you!

Lions, tigers, and bears are just part of the fun you’ll find on Alabama’s Gulf Coast! Download our free Vacation Guide for the best ideas for an incredible vacation. At Sunset Properties, we strive to ensure your vacation is the best it can possibly be. We think you’ll love it!

What Will You See at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo?

First and foremost, to get the most out of your visit to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, you should understand their mission. They opened in 1989 under the moniker, Zooland Animal Park. At the zoo, you’ll find an experience tailor-made to the visitor. Wide pathways, over 500 exotic exhibits, ample shade, and concessions are just a few ways the zoo strives to bring you the best zoo experience on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. The zoo operates from sponsorships, grants, and endowments to bring the best experience possible to its patrons. There, you’ll find lions, tigers, bears, primates, leopards, wolves, and more! Caring zookeepers work with the animals to ensure your zoo experience is the best it could possibly be!

Zoo Encounters

At Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, you’ll have great opportunities for a zoo encounter with some of the more easygoing animals! Imagine the look on your kids’ faces when they hop around with a joey, play with the lemurs, take it slow with the sloths, and more!

Kangaroo Encounters

Come, hang out with some joeys! The friendly kangaroo kids are a fun way to get up close and personal with Australia’s most iconic marsupial. The encounter also makes a great photo op!

Lemur Encounters

These fun creatures have been the icons of recent children’s movies, but what makes them popular at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is playtime! Come, join in on the fun with the young lemurs as they swing around and climb all over the place! It’s sure to make fun memories!

Reptile Garden

Walk through the reptile garden with a knowledgeable handler and have the chance to meet some of the coolest slithering critters! Lizards, gators, snakes, turtles, and more await you, safely, of course.

Sloth Encounters

Take it slow with a sloth encounter! The loveable, lazy sloths are the perfect slow-paced encounter for the kids! During this encounter, you’ll learn about the sloth’s natural habitat, diet, and movement patterns.

Tamandua Encounters

The tamandua, or lesser anteater, is a friendly-looking creature sure to make the kids laugh at its goofy appearance. The anteater, though, offers a unique zoo encounter! Learn about its habitat, diet, and more!

Plan a Visit to the Zoo During Your Family Vacation

There’s so much to adventure as a family here on Alabama’s Gulf Coast! Plan a visit to the zoo or soak up the fun and sun at the beach! You can’t go wrong! Plan your family vacation to the Gulf Coast and see for yourself how incredible of a time it will be. Browse our beautiful condos and beach houses for the best places to stay down here. Here at Sunset Properties, we are your source for comfort and relaxation! So, contact us today to book your stay! And, when you’re looking for great things to do, be sure to download our free Vacation Guide!

January 13, 2017October 21, 2021

What Will You See at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park?

When you visit Alabama’s Gulf Coast, you’ll have the opportunity to explore some of the nation’s most important historic sites. Of course, there’s Fort Morgan, the Civil War fort. And, if you head over to Mobile, the USS Alabama sits, majestically awaiting your visit. There’s much more to the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park than the battleship, itself. So, what can you expect to see there? We’ll tell you why you don’t want to skip it!

If you’re looking for the most incredible experiences on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, then you’ve come to the right place. Let Sunset Properties recommend some of the best local activities to make your visit as incredible as can be.

Look Back Into History at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park

When you come to the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, you’ll be taken aback by the sheer magnitude of what is on display there. Not only are the ships and planes imposing, but they’re uniquely historical, each in its own right. These war relics stand as memorials to those who fought, bravely defending generations beyond them and their rights to freedom. So, what will you see there?

The USS Alabama

The battleship is the recipient of nine WWII Battle Stars representing the courage and bravery of her 2,500 crewmen. Also known as “The Mighty A,” the USS Alabama saw a year of war in the Atlantic before joining up with the Pacific Fleet in important battles like Leyte, the Gilbert Islands, and Okinawa. Immediately following the end of the war in 1945, the USS Alabama led the Pacific Fleet into Tokyo Bay.

The DRUM

America’s oldest Gato Class submarine sits next to the USS Alabama on display, as well. The crew of 72 men were responsible for dispatching 15 Japanese ships during 13 patrols. The ship earned 12 battle stars as a result. Today, visitors can descend into the ship to see what life was like for the Navy’s submariners.

“Calamity Jane”

Not to be outdone, the Air Force’s very own “Calamity Jane,” a B-52 behemoth, is also on display. The Stratofortress served with the Strategic Air Command and will wow you with its enormity.

“Blackbird”

The Cold War Veteran “Blackbird” is an A-12 spy plane used during the Cold War. Check out this intriguing specimen and imagine the days where counterintelligence became key.

Many Others On Display

Come, check out the many other aircraft from the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and Desert Storm. Inspiring memorials will give you pause and give you a chance to give honor where it is due. Then, when you’ve seen all there is to see, check out the gift shop to bring home a souvenir.

The Perfect Complement to an Alabama Gulf Coast Adventure

As you’re planning your summer vacation to Alabama’s Gulf Coast, you’ll definitely want to plan a trip to see the USS Alabama into your itinerary. It’s a great way to spend a day off the beach! And, when you’re looking for a place to stay, consider the beautiful vacation rentals from Sunset Properties. Our condos and beach houses are ideally situated near the beach, meaning your beach getaway is just minutes away every day. So, check out our available rentals and see for yourself the kind of quality you can afford. Then, contact us today to book your stay! We’re eager to accommodate you!

January 13, 2017October 21, 2021

Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Other Fun Things to Do on Dauphin Island

Take the 40-minute ferry ride from Fort Morgan to Dauphin Island and discover a whole new world full of incredible experiences for the whole family. On Dauphin Island, you’ll find the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Fort Gaines, Shell Mound Park, and more! Explore the subtropical oasis that is Dauphin Island and see for yourself the adventure day that will be one of the highlights of your trip to Alabama’s Gulf Coast!

Are you looking for the most incredible experiences on Alabama’s Gulf Coast? Then, you’ve come to the right place! Here at Sunset Properties, we consider ourselves experts when it comes to all things Gulf coast. So, check out our recommended activities and get the ball rolling on your next adventure!

You’ll Love These Great Things to Do on Dauphin Island

Audubon Bird Sanctuary
Cost: Free!
Hours: Open daily from dawn until dusk.
The Audubon Bird Sanctuary features 137 acres of maritime forests, including marshes, dunes, lakes, swamps, and beaches. As a result, the Audubon Bird Sanctuary on Dauphin Island is home to 420 of the 445 officially documented bird species in Alabama, or 95% of documented bird species. Its three-mile-long trail system is recognized as a National Recreational Trail, and it’s an exciting way to discover the island. Come, explore with the whole family!

Fort Gaines
Cost: Adults $6 (ages 13+) | Children $4 (ages 5-12)
Hours: Open year-round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from June – August; Group tours by appointment only.
The Fort is famous for Admiral Farragut’s infamous line, “Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!” at the Battle of Mobile Bay at Fort Gaines. This pre-Civil War brick fortification is home to original cannons, kitchens, a blacksmith shop, and tunnels. The kids are sure to love the guided tours. Plus, living history performers in period-correct replica uniforms interact with the Fort’s guests! Come while you can because, due to shoreline erosion, Fort Gaines is considered one of the Eleven Most Endangered Historic Sites in America.

Dauphin Island Sea Lab
Cost: Adults $11 | Children (ages 5-18) or students with ID $6 | Seniors $9 | Group rates available
Hours of Operation
Both adults and children will enjoy the interactive exhibits and visual displays at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab! You’ll definitely want to check out the Living Marsh Boardwalk, the Mobile Bay Gallery, Barrier Island, Billy Goat Hole Gallery, the Touch Tanks, and the Weather Station. Be sure to grab a souvenir from the gift shop before you go!

Shell Mound Park
Come, explore the fascinating shell mounds! What are shell mounds? Scientists believe these shell mound are possibly the remains of Native American oyster roasts from A.D. 1100-1500. These incredible relics to Native American life in the area are a great reason to visit Dauphin Island! Plus, explore 11 acres of plant species on this “subtropical natural wonder.” It’s maintained by the Alabama Marine Resources Division.

Ferry Schedule
Single ferry, departing Dauphin Island
8:00 a.m. | 9:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | 12:30 p.m. | 2:00 p.m. |3:30 p.m. | 5:00 p.m. | 6:30 p.m.*
Single ferry, departing Fort Morgan
8:45 a.m. | 10:15 a.m. | 11:45 a.m. | 1:15 p.m. | 2:45 p.m. |4:15 p.m. | 5:45 p.m. |7:15 p.m.*

Second ferry, departing Dauphin Island
8:45 a.m. | 10:15 p.m. | 11:45 a.m. | 1:15 p.m. | 2:45 p.m. | 4:15 p.m. | 5:45 p.m.
Second ferry, departing Fort Morgan
9:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | 12:30 p.m. | 3:00 p.m. | 3:30 p.m. | 5:00 p.m. | 6:30 p.m.

*These hours only run during daylight savings time.

Take an Adventure Day from the Best Place to Stay on Alabama’s Gulf Coast

Dauphin Island is the perfect place to take a family adventure during your beach vacation! When you’re planning your vacation to Alabama’s Gulf Coast, check out the available condos and beach houses from Sunset Properties. You’ll love the comfort and proximity to the beach each of our properties affords. So, contact us today to book your beach getaway!